Karen "Doc" Halligan, DVM

Dr. Karen Halligan, author, devoted pet owner and respected veterinarian, has developed a distinguished veterinary medical career based on her lifelong commitment to animal welfare and pet owner education. She has appeared on many national television shows as a spokesperson and pet health expert. 

Dr. Halligan is currently the Director of Veterinary Services at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Los Angeles (SPCA LA), where she oversees the health and well being of all the shelter animals and routinely performs surgical procedures.  In addition, she is considered an expert in animal cruelty cases, having successfully won judgments in many court cases.

She is well-versed in the art of dog grooming, routinely assisting with the grooming of shelter animals and working with the groomers she has worked with during her 10 years of private practice. She is also the author of the award-winning book Doc Halligan's What Every Pet Owner Should Know: Prescriptions for Happy, Healthy Cats and Dogs (HarperCollins, 2007).

A native of San Diego, Dr. Halligan double majored in theatre and zoology while working the animal shows at the San Diego Zoo. In 1989, after graduating from the University of California, Davis, Dr. Halligan began working as the chief of staff at one of San Diego's busiest veterinary hospitals.

Dr. Halligan has donated hundreds of hours of volunteer time to various animal rescue groups and entertainment nonprofit organizations. She is a member of the Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio, California Veterinary Medical Association, Southern California Veterinary Medical Association and The Association of Shelter Veterinarians.

Dr. Halligan is also in private practice in Venice, California and shares her life with Kinky and Nathan, two very spoiled and healthy cats.

Dr. Halligan's nurturing personality and extensive knowledge from the front lines of the vet emergency room make her a savvy and supportive judge on Groomer Has It.  She cares immensely for the safety and well being of animals and is a devoted advocate for both the show's canine guests and their groomers.